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This retreat for new mothers and their children helped me in the fourth trimester of pregnancy

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The Black maternal health crisis in the United States is all too well documented, with Black women of all socioeconomic backgrounds facing terrifying odds before, during, and after childbirth attributable to racially motivated medical neglect and a scarcity of resources in many of our countries. society.

With this data, first-time motherhood generally is a stressful time for a Black woman. After 40 weeks of doctor visits, ultrasounds, and birth planning, and maintaining high alert in the days before and after the baby left the womb, many individuals might consider that she was a diligent self-help advocate. However, the early weeks and months after a baby’s arrival, often called the fourth trimester, might be a good more critical time for a family’s reproductive health.

I became a mother for the first time in August last yr. Despite the joyful excitement that accompanies months of physical expansion, fetal development milestones, and prenatal planning, I used to be still acutely aware of the challenges my baby would face after birth. I already had the support of my fiancé and my mother – herself a registered nurse – in the months leading as much as my baby’s birthday and serving as my advocates at the hospital. Still, my fiancé and I were interested in additional support as we transitioned from a married couple to a family of three.

This retreat for new mothers and their children helped me in the fourth trimester of pregnancy

Fortunately, we had the opportunity to try it Boram’s postpartum retreat, the care facility that’s revolutionizing maternity care in the United States. The property, positioned in the Thompson Central Park Hotel, offers ten suites in a non-public wing that may accommodate mothers, partners and newborns for three, five or seven days after birth, with the option of specialized longer stays.

Modeled after maternity care facilities common in South Korea, which give attention to providing mom and baby with specialized care and attention, Boram was the first of its kind in the U.S. when it opened in spring 2022. It’s still a comparatively new concept for most Americans. largely unfamiliar with maternity practices common in many African and Asian countries, Boram Care focuses on providing support for mothers and newborns to rest and settle together, and to assist stave off overwhelm and baby blues in the early days of pregnancy.

The facility provides three balanced meals a day for mothers to assist with the healing, rejuvenation and nutrition of the potentially breastfeeding mother, 24-hour staff and nursery, new parenting skills classes and extras akin to postpartum massage. The facility provides all non-medical assistance – a new mother must make the transition from pregnancy to postpartum easier.

This retreat for new mothers and their children helped me in the fourth trimester of pregnancy

The Boram Care team of registered nurses, doulas and lactation experts are on call in any respect times to offer care to mother and baby – whether it is a quick breastfeeding refresher at 2 a.m. or preparing a soothing swelling foot bath for mom in the afternoon. This extra support was invaluable for a first-time mother like me, fresh out of the hospital and coping with each the period of new motherhood and the post-operative recovery period after an emergency cesarean section.

Their multicultural Boram Care Team brings a range of experience and expertise to each situation a postpartum mother may encounter. Moreover, to my excitement, during my stay, the majority of the staff were black women. By speaking individually with some members of the Care Team, I learned how passionate they were about maternity care. For example, one of the team members who was involved in my care during my stay had just returned from a year-long trip to Uganda to study traditional maternity care practices.

In addition to support, care and food, this facility is… After all, it’s a comfortable hotel in Central Park. After checking in and meeting the care team manager during my three-day stay, the very first thing I desired to see was the restroom in our apartment. After days spent washing in the dimly lit hospital shower with a low-pressure handheld head, it was refreshing to take a hot steam shower on ceramic tiles in a marble toilet stocked with plush postpartum essentials (pads, diapers, peri bottles, etc.) and be pampered. with supplied Korean skincare products from Peach & Lily and Then I Met You.

After taking care of the first things to do, on my first day at Boram, I consulted with the on-duty lactation expert about my baby’s new latch, soaked my swollen feet in warm water with Epson salt, received instruction and help while learning find out how to express milk and having fun with a meal consisting of of salmon and salad, and then taking my newborn daughter to nursery for the evening. Just 4 days into our life together, and with hormones and emotions running high, it was a tearful goodbye for me, sending my baby to all 4 homes from our apartment with bottled breast milk for the evening. Fortunately, there are dedicated monitors in each baby’s nursery, so nervous new mothers like me can check on their sleeping angels each time they feel prefer it. Final rating? Our first full night of restful sleep in five days.

This retreat for new mothers and their children helped me in the fourth trimester of pregnancy
This retreat for new mothers and their children helped me in the fourth trimester of pregnancy

Rested and relaxed, we began the second day, reuniting with the baby early in the morning and serving a breakfast of avocado toast – my favorite. My fiancé and I joined other parents in the dedicated mother’s lounge for a morning newborn sleep workshop, then left to take the baby to his first off-site doctor’s appointment. After returning, it was time for lunch – one other nutritious meal consisting of soup and chicken – after which I could indulge in a 60-minute postpartum massage.

Boram’s on-site masseurs specialize in treating postpartum patients with swelling, pain and post-operative healing, which was much needed and much more appreciated in my case. Relaxed, relieved, and finally at peace with the concept of “me time” while the baby was cared for at the nursery and her father strolled through nearby Central Park, I asked for one other foot bath, drank tea, and watched the Bravo TV marathon solo in our home. apartment.

This retreat for new mothers and their children helped me in the fourth trimester of pregnancy

My stay ended with one other infant safety and CPR workshop, dinner, one other full night of uninterrupted rest, and a debriefing session with my care manager about needs, next steps, and opportunities to proceed receiving support from the Boram community throughout the life of the newborn and followed by a scene.

As I’ve learned the hard way, the old saying that “it takes a village” is not any more true than in the first few days after your baby returns home. Given the perilous state of maternity care and the lack of paid maternity and paternity leave in the United States, for new mothers, Black women, additional help in making a healthy transition to motherhood is invaluable. The aim of the Boram Postnatal Retreat is to offer the mother with the vital support in her recovery and bonding together with her baby in a stress-free environment, which may make an enormous difference in the first days of new motherhood.

Having 24/7 support and assistance from a full nursing staff, healthy, balanced meals, education beyond what’s taught in childbirth and recovery, and most significantly, the luxury of time to reset and uninterrupted rest during the first week of baby’s life has given me and my fiancé the push we wanted to tackle parenting at home on our own.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler is now available – Essence

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Moncler

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler has been launched. The capsule is a mixture of the inside of a musician, actress, writer and creator. In it, a futuristic and unbelievable world is explored through clothes. Smith’s personal style was also showcased. The lineup was originally revealed in Shanghai.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“Minimalism and utilitarianism. Femininity and masculinity. Black and white. “Putting ideas together in an elegant way is something that really excites me and I wanted to explore that with this collection,” Willow shared.

“Willow’s magnetic energy is captured in a series of images exploring the primary themes of the collection: clashing contrasts, rebirth and renewal, yin and yang, recent beginnings – inspired by Moncler’s mountain origins and love of nature. “Willow’s creativity influences every aspect of the videos and photos accompanying the collection: she not only drives the concept, but also models her designs, narrates the short film and provides the soundtrack,” the brand said in a press release. The launch is accompanied by black and white campaign photos – the dramatization of those photos ushers in an exciting era for Smith.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

The collection is dominated by knitwear perfect for layering, a down jacket and heavy sweatshirts created in shrunken proportions. The capsule is accomplished with extensive outerwear options and a brief-sleeved T-shirt with silver eyelet. The T-shirt is also available in an extended-sleeved version. The collection includes cream and black shades. The down vest with a hood and a brief cut stands out.

Salix leather boots are characterised by an interesting design. In addition to nodding to punk influences, this footwear option is designed with a Moncler logo on the toe, elastic panels on the front and a rubber sole.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“I am incredibly passionate about the outdoors and exploring this wonderful land. I imagine these pieces can easily transition from overnight camping to fashionable evening wear,” Willow added, emphasizing the natural duality of the collection.

Moncler X Willow Smith is currently available in chosen Moncler stores and more moncler.com .

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Women are less likely to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation than men. Training on breast mannequins could be helpful

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If someone’s heart suddenly stops beating, this may increasingly have happened minutes of life. Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation may increase their probabilities of survival. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation keeps blood pumping, delivering oxygen to the brain and vital organs until specialized treatment arrives.

However, research shows that bystanders are less likely to intervene to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the person is a girl. AND latest Australian study analyzed 4,491 cardiac arrest cases between 2017 and 2019 and located that bystanders were more likely to perform CPR on men (74%) than on women (65%).

Could this be partly because CPR training mannequins (so-called dummies) shouldn’t have breasts? Our recent research we checked out mannequins available all over the world to train people to perform CPR and located that 95% of them were flat-chested.

Anatomically, breasts don’t change the cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique. However, they’ll influence whether people try to accomplish that – and hesitation at these key moments could mean the difference between life and death.

Differences in heart health

Cardiovascular diseases – including heart disease, stroke and cardiac arrest – are probably the most common diseases important reason behind death for ladies all over the world.

But if a girl goes into cardiac arrest outside the hospital (meaning her heart stops pumping air properly), that is actually what happens. 10% less likely receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation than a person. Women too less likely survive cardiopulmonary resuscitation and are at greater risk of brain damage following cardiac arrest.

Bystanders are less likely to intervene if a girl needs cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to a person.
Doublelee/Shutterstock

These are just among the many health inequalities experienced by women, in addition to transgender and non-binary people. Compared to men, their symptoms they are more likely to be rejected or misdiagnosed, or it could take longer to receive a diagnosis.

Reluctance of the witness

There can also be growth evidence women are less likely to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to men.

This may be partly due to the concerns of those being accused of sexual harassmentworry may cause damage (in some cases based on the assumption that ladies are more “fragile”) and discomfort related to touching women’s breasts.

Bystanders may also get into trouble recognition the lady has a cardiac arrest.

Even in simulated scenarios, researchers found that interveners were less likely to remove women’s clothing prepare for resuscitationcompared to men. And there have been women less likely to receive Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or defibrillation (an electrical charge to restart the center) – even when the training was in the shape of a web based game that didn’t require touching anyone.

There is evidence of how people behave in resuscitation training scenarios reflects what they do in real emergency situations. This means it is amazingly vital to train people to recognize cardiac arrest and prepare for intervention, no matter gender or body type.

Attached to men’s bodies

Very Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training resources depict male bodies or don’t specify gender. If bodies shouldn’t have breasts, it’s a male default.

For example, the 12 months 2022 test taking a look at CPR training in North, Central, and South America, it was found that nearly all of available mannequins were white (88%), male (94%), and slim (99%).

The woman's hands press the torso of a mannequin wearing a blue jacket.
It is amazingly rare for a mannequin to have breasts or a bigger body.
M Isolation photo/Shutterstock

This research reflects what we see in our work once we train other healthcare professionals to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We noticed that every one the mannequins available for training are flat chested. One of us (Rebecca) had difficulty finding training mannequins with breasts.

Single mannequin with breasts

Our recent research we checked what cardiopulmonary resuscitation mannequins are available and the way diverse they are. In 2023, we identified 20 cardiopulmonary resuscitation mannequins in the worldwide market. Mannequins are often torsos with no head and without arms.

Of the 20 available, five (25%) were sold as “female”, but only considered one of them had breasts. This implies that 95% of obtainable CPR training mannequins were flat-chested.

We also checked out other diversity characteristics, including skin tone and bigger bodies. We found that 65% had more than one skin tone available, but just one had a bigger body. Further research is required on the impact of those elements on bystanders when performing CPR.

Breasts don’t change cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique doesn’t change when someone has breasts. The barriers are cultural. And although you could feel uncomfortable, starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation as soon as possible can save your life.

Signs that somebody may have cardiopulmonary resuscitation include not respiration properly or completely or not responding to you.

Perform effective cardiopulmonary resuscitationit’s best to:

  • place the heel of your hand in the middle of your chest

  • place your second hand on top of the primary and interlace your fingers (keep your arms straight)

  • press firmly to a depth of about 5 cm before releasing

  • press your chest with a frequency of 100-120 beats per minute (you may sing a song) in your head to show you how to keep time!)

An example of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation – using a flat-chest manikin.

What a couple of defibrillator?

You haven’t got to remove someone’s bra to perform CPR. But you could need to accomplish that if a defibrillator is required.

AND defibrillator is a tool that uses an electrical charge to restart the center. An underwired bra may cause minor skin burns when the debrillator pads apply an electrical charge. However, in case you cannot take your bra off, don’t let it delay your care.

What should change?

Our research highlights the necessity for a big selection of breast CPR training mannequins, in addition to a wide range of body sizes.

Training resources need to higher prepare people to intervene and perform CPR on individuals with breasts. We also need greater education on the chance of developing and dying from heart disease in women.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Ant stings can be painful. Here’s how to avoid getting stung this summer (and what to do if it happens)

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The starting of summer is just a couple of days away, and plenty of of us will be looking forward to long, sunny days spent on the beach, by the pool, camping or having a picnic within the park.

Insects love summer too. Most of them right then grow and feed. However, this shared appreciation of the season can sometimes lead to conflict.

Insects have long been preyed upon by many species, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and other insects. Accordingly, quite a lot of defense mechanisms have evolved – perhaps none more familiar to humans than the sting.

Many ants have a stinger on their rear end which they use to deliver venom. It will not be the sting itself that causes pain, but relatively venom. Ant venom accommodates a mix of various chemicals, a few of which have evolved specifically to manipulate the nerve endings in our skin to cause pain.

Let’s take a have a look at the several ant stings chances are you’ll experience this summer in Australia and how to respond.

Bull ants

Bull ants (also often called bulldog ants, jumper ants, or jumper ants) are large for an ant. Some species can grow to length 4 centimeters. They are easily identified by their large eyes, long mandibles (jaws), and aggressive nature.

Their sting is immediate, hot, sharp and unambiguous, similar to that of a honey bee. The intense pain will only last a couple of minutes before being replaced by redness and swelling across the sting site.

There are many differing kinds of bull ants in Australia.
Sam Robinson

Green-headed ants

Green-headed ants are also called green ants (but not to be confused with green ants). green tree ants northern Australia, which do not sting). Green-headed ants are common and love our lawns.

About Length 6 millimetersthey’re much smaller than bull ants. They can be recognized by their shiny green-purple exoskeleton.

Green-headed ants are frequently less aggressive than bull ants, but they can still deliver a big sting. The pain from a green ant sting can construct up step by step and cause intense, sticky pain.

Green-headed ant.
Green-headed ants can be identified by their color.
Sam Robinson

Fire ants

Fire ants (or imported red fire ants) are native to South America. They were detected first in Brisbane in 2001it probably moved in containers and has since spread across south-east Queensland.

Fire ants are reddish brown and black and range in size from Length 2–6 millimeters.

You will almost certainly encounter fire ants of their nests, which appear like a pile of loose dirt. A hearth ant nest has no obvious entrance, which is way to distinguish it from other similar ant nests.

Disturbing a hearth ant nest will awaken an offended mass of a whole bunch of ants and expose you to being stung.

The initial pain from a single sting seems like an intense, hot itch, although it can be controlled. However, fire ant stings rarely occur in the only digits. One ant can sting multiple times, and plenty of ants can sting one person, which can lead to a whole bunch of stings. A hearth ant sting can cause pus-filled ulcers and scarring in the next days.

If you reside in an area where fire ants are present, it’s price taking a couple of minutes to learn how to do this recognize and report their.

Electric ants

Electric ants is one other nasty random import, coming from Central and South America. Currently limited to Cairns and surroundingsthese are tiny (1.5 millimeters long) yellow ants.

Like fire ants, these ants are frequently defensive, so lots of them will sting without delay. Their sting is more painful than you’ll expect from such a tiny creature. I compare it to being showered with red, hot sparks.

If you think that you see electric ants, please report it Biosecurity in Queensland.

Australian ants should not the worst

You may be surprised to hear that Australian ants don’t even make it to the rostrum when it comes to essentially the most painful ant stings. The winners include: harvester ants (North and South America), which cause severe, sticky pain, comparable to a drill slowly rotating in a muscle – for up to 12 hours.

The gold medal goes to the sting of the South and Central American bullet ant, which has been described How:

Pure, intense, sensible pain. It’s like walking on burning charcoal with a 3-inch nail stuck in your heel.

How to avoid getting stung (and what to do if you do)

Fortunately, the answer is frequently quite simple. Look around before you sit on the bottom or unfolded a picnic blanket, avoiding places where you see ant nests or a lot of foraging ants.

The selection of footwear might also be necessary. In my experience, most stings occur on the feet of those wearing thongs.

If you get stung, generally the situation will improve by itself. The pain often subsides after a couple of minutes (sometimes slightly longer within the case of a green ant sting). The redness, swelling and itching that sometimes follows may last for several days.

In the meantime, if mandatory, ice pack it will help with the pain. If it’s particularly bad, a topical numbing cream containing lidocaine may provide temporary relief. You can get it over-the-counter at a pharmacy.

A small proportion of individuals may experience an allergic response to ant stings. In very severe cases this may include respiratory problems or ingestion. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms after an ant sting, you need to seek urgent medical attention.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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